If you’ve got old windows, sometimes heavy curtains do more than the plastic.
Cracking the bedroom door at night does help, but I’ve actually had better luck just running a small fan in the hallway to move air around. Not a huge one—just enough to keep things circulating. About the window kits: I know folks say heavy curtains are better, but honestly, if you really seal the plastic tight with a hair dryer, it can make a difference. Maybe not pretty, but it’s kept my old place less drafty in winter.
I’ve had a similar experience with the window kits—
—but I always end up fighting with the tape in the corners. Heavy curtains do block drafts, but I notice they trap cold air behind them if the window’s leaky. Ever tried layering both? Plastic on the glass, then curtains over that? I’m curious if anyone’s noticed an energy bill drop with that combo.if you really seal the plastic tight with a hair dryer, it can make a difference
Tried the plastic-plus-curtains combo last winter. It actually helped—my bedroom felt less drafty, and my heating bill dropped maybe 10-15%. The trick is making sure the plastic’s sealed tight, especially in the corners. Tape’s a pain, but painter’s tape worked better for me than what came in the kit.
The trick is making sure the plastic’s sealed tight, especially in the corners. Tape’s a pain, but painter’s tape worked better for me than what came in the kit.
Painter’s tape is a solid call—less sticky residue to deal with later. Just watch out if you’ve got old paint or wallpaper; even painter’s tape can pull stuff off if you’re not careful. I’ve seen folks get a little too enthusiastic and end up peeling half their trim.
One thing I’d add: don’t cover up any vents or block emergency exits with plastic. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget when you’re chasing drafts at 2am. Also, if you use space heaters in that room, keep them well away from curtains and plastic—melty plastic smells terrible and it’s a fire risk.
I’ve tried the shrink-wrap kits before, but honestly, sometimes just rolling up an old towel for the window sill does half the job... not pretty, but it works in a pinch.
- Definitely agree on not blocking vents—seen a buddy almost roast his room trying to seal every crack.
- If you're worried about tape messing up trim, I've had luck with blue painter’s tape, but I always test a tiny spot first.
- For the towel trick, I’ll admit it’s ugly but works in a pinch... sometimes I just shove an old hoodie down there if I’m desperate.
- One thing I’d watch: if you’re using plastic, make sure it’s not near any outlets or heaters—melted plastic is a nightmare and smells awful.
- If you’re still freezing at night, maybe check for gaps around the door too. A cheap draft stopper can help more than people think.
